Would you ever buy a used car without having your mechanic inspect it, test it, and check it out completely? No, you would get it inspected by your trusted mechanic, because you want to ensure that your car is in good condition before you pay for it and drive it off the car lot.
Well, your house is an even bigger investment than a car, is it not? Naturally, before you commit to a purchase that is hundreds of thousands of dollars, you want to know your new home's structural condition.
Your REALTOR® will recommend ordering a professional home inspection from a reputable company. In some states, home inspectors are licensed by the state, but there is no licensing required in California.
How do you know if you’re hiring a top notch professional you can trust? Always ask if the home inspector is a member of the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), or International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Search the web sites of these associations to find home inspectors in your area who belong to professional organizations. They are required to attend continuing education, comply with state regulations, follow standards of practice, and uphold a code of ethics.
Many top inspectors write blogs with advice for homebuyers. Search online at www.ActiveRain.com and check out blogs of home inspectors in your area. How well do they know their trade? What are clients saying about them? How are they rated, and what recommendations have they received?
My criteria for selecting a quality home inspector would be:
- Recommendation from REALTOR® and past clients
- Communication style and accessibility
- Type of report produced
- Color photos included
- Promptness in completing inspection
- Turn-around time of report
- Ability to deliver the report electronically
Read more in our book, "Buy Your First Home", http://tinyurl.com/dy2wjx4.
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